A Voltage-Approximated Three-Phase Distribution Network Model with Comprehensive Applications

The increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as photovoltaics (PVs), poses significant challenges for active network management in unbalanced distribution systems. An accurate and applicable three-phase distribution network model is essential. This paper proposes a voltage-approximated network model for three-phase distribution networks, which can be applied to optimal power flow problems. Unlike conventional approaches that use squared voltages as state variables, the proposed model directly incorporates voltage magnitudes, offering high efficiency and accuracy for wide applications such as Volt/Var control and conservation voltage reduction problems. Comprehensive studies utilizing a modified IEEE 123-bus test system validate the effectiveness of the proposed model in these applications.